Tools

The Men, Organs

When: Wed., May 1, 9 p.m. 2013
Price: $10-12

The evolution of The Men has been swift and drastic. From the sandblasted noise-rock of 2010's Immaculada and 2011's superlative Leave Home, they moved toward rootsy, rangy indie-rock homage on last year's Open Your Heart. No matter how far behind they left their hardcore roots, it seemed The Men would always retain their vital urgency. Then, though, they released New Moon, a tepid Americana record that idles between late-era Dinosaur Jr. and The Fucking Eagles. They pick up some energy on the platter's back half, but they woefully lack the hooks and heft of their past. Hopefully, it's a momentary misstep for the band, not a symptom of creative drainage. Organs open. —Bryan C. Reed